David Latimer

David Clark Latimer of Nixa, Missouri, passed away on March 21, 2023 at the age of 87, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

David was born August 12, 1935 in Marston, Missouri, the son of Myron and Verna (Rice) Latimer. He found education to not only be a strength - graduating as valedictorian of his High School class - but also his calling. David earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, followed by his Master of Education from the University of Missouri, Columbia

His career then began in the Bernie School District, where he taught shop and woodworking, and expanded to the Riverview Gardens School District, where he was a school counselor. It was during this time that he met, fell in love with, and married a fellow educator, Barbara Ann Freise, on August 1, 1965.

David then transitioned to an administrative role in the Pattonville School District, becoming the inaugural Principal of the Remington Traditional School - a classical approach to educational management and curriculum, for which David was extensively lauded. Upon David’s retirement in 1995, he was recognized by not only the City of Maryland Heights, but also by the Missouri House of Representatives and Missouri Senate, for his contributions to education.

He also loved nature and was an avid sportsman, participating in many outdoor activities. David was an accomplished hunter - pursuing several types of game, and especially enjoying deer, pheasant, duck, and quail hunting. He also volunteered as a Hunter Safety Educator and was a Certified Rifle Instructor, as he wanted to give back and teach others in the sport which had given him so much.

But fishing is where David’s true passion was found. He enjoyed learning about and pursuing various species of fish, and had a knack for recognizing exactly what it would take to land each type. David was also always quick to help others find the right lure or bait, and was proficient in tying his own flies for use in his fly fishing exploits. He traveled extensively for these efforts - not only all around the Midwest, but even to back country lakes in Canada, the Amazon River in Brazil, and deep-sea fishing off the coast of California. His Fisherman’s Tales may have been extensive, but very few of them were exaggerated.

His parents and a brother, Jerry, preceded David in death. Survivors include: His wife, Barbara; his son Brian Latimer and wife Patricia of San Jose, California; and his grandson, Korey Latimer.

A Celebration of David’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Copper Leaf Community Building at 600 E Katella Circle, Nixa, MO 65714. His family hopes many of his friends will join to share stories, laughter, and simply to commemorate the impact which David had on all of us.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Missouri Department of Conservation - an organization which David felt strongly about, and contributed to extensively in life.